Q:"Please tell me how many inches it is from the valve connector to the inside 90 of the device. Please send diagram with measurements if possible. Our valves are located in the back of the box and I have concerns if the valves will protrude past the front cover, plus I want to install water arrestors. Thanks, Jim."

Answer: We checked with the manufacturer's rep as this was beyond our expertise. Bob's response: "I have no diagram available for him, but understand his question.

The distance from the inlet end of the valve where the spinning female threaded collar is to the inside edge of the 90 degree downward outlet end of the valve is 2 9/16 inches (slightly over 2.5 inches). The FloodStop 3/4-H90 was specifically designed for wall box type installations. Numerous wall boxes were evaluated to determine the valve design so it would fit all brands. I cannot remember when someone returned a FloodStop 3/4-H90 because the outlet end of the FS valves did not protrude past the front cover of the wall box. Typically installing water arrestors increases the extension of the FS valves out from the hot and cold water hose-bibs."

FYI: The FloodStop is a dual valved water damage control device that turns off water to a washer machine when the water sensor (placed usually under the machine) senses moisture. The newest model utilizes AC power with a battery backup and has twin ball valves that shut off the water.

For those who have a different system, we do have the straight line version.

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Question: How can a Floodstop water heater automatic water system save me from a flooded basement?

Q: "I don't understand the value of installing a Floodstop single appliance water shut off system on my water heater. Isn't the water heater going to leak out all 40 or 50 gallons of water anyway? Thanks. Tom."

Answer: We discussed this with our Floodstop distributor, did some on-line research and remembered our own failed water heaters over the years. As our distributor explained, water heater water loss is typically from a pin-hole leak caused by corrosion to the inside lining of the tank. With Floodstop, you can choose to daisy-chain several sensors together to extend under the tank (if raised) or on the side where the sewer drain lies. Once a FloodStop sensor detects a leak, the Floodstop valve is immediately closed. Typically this pin-hole does not get larger because the Floodstop valve closure creates a kind of vacuum within the tank so no more water escapes. This is like putting your finger over the top end of a straw with water in it. That is why it is not necessary to have a device that shuts off the gas or the electricity to the water heater.

You, the home or apartment dweller, will know you have an issue to deal with when you get home hours, days or weeks later. You'll either hear the alarm or you'll go to the sink and there is no water immediately. Once you break the vacuum, the pin hole leak will again begin to drip. By then, the owner will shut off the water and the vacuum will resume. Then you'll be shopping for a new water heater.

Among plumbers and owners of high rise condo complexes,, the Floodstop is considered to be the best choice to prevent water disasters. Unfortunately, sometimes almost brand new water heaters begin to drip. Ex. My late Mom's installed 6 years prior to her death, lasted one year before it began to leak. Luckily it was in a visible basement area and was caught before any significant damage occurred.

Floodstop Automatic Water Systems for Water Heaters Come in These Sizes:

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Question about best way to keep toilets from overflowing.

Q: "I operate a day care center. The older children toilet themselves; the younger ones have supervision. We have problems with children using too much toilet paper. Then the toilet bowls overflow and there is a mess. What device or devices can we install to prevent these bowl overflows? Thanks. Sara

Answer: The Toilet Guardian TB1000B should save your toilets from overflows. Peace of mind at under $100, no plumber required if you are handy. (The plumber's fee is about the same as the unit in most areas.)

The Toilet Guardian includes a bowl sensor and a controller for an internal valve. When the sensor detects an impending toilet overflow, the sensor signals the controller and the internal valve is closed. This is a great addition to public restrooms, day care centers like yours, private homes, etc..

Battery operated (One CR-2477F Coin Battery), this automatic water shut off valve for the toilet water valve installs easily. Just attach to your existing fill valve at the water connection under the tank. When a potential water problem is detected, you hear the alarm and the water is shut off.

Q: "I purchased a Water Heater FloodStop with 3/4" valve FS3/4NPT. How far can the controller be located away from the shut off valve? 25 feet? Can I splice the controller to shut off valve wire and add 20 feet? Can I splice the sensor wire and add 30 feet? Thanks for all your help, Jerry"

Answer: Yes, you can extend the length of both wires. The controller can be located at any distance, so 25 feet is no problem. You can do this by splicing in a similar gauge paired wire as you suggested, or you can purchase our Controller to Valve Extension Wire, which is about 8 feet long. If you ordered 4 of them and simply plugged them into each other, you would not have to go buy wire or do any splicing.

You can splice into the sensor wire and extend it by 30 feet no problem. Or you can add Floodstop Individual Water Appliance Additional Water Sensor XS-01 unitsthat each have a 3 foot long wire and interconnect to give you more water sensor coverage. We do not have a controller to sensor extension wire, as the customized length can be so varied that the manufacturer did not create one.

Thank you for your question. Your question was asked of and answered by Mary Joyce and our distributor. I found it and thought it was a great one to share with others. Extending the sensor and valve shut off wires of all the individual FloodStop automatic water sensor and automatic valve shut off devices can be done in a similar fashion.

Question: "Our neighbor recently had extensive water damage from a leak under a bathroom sink. The sink is in a rarely used bathroom. The first hint of the water leak was the damp spot on the ceiling in the room below. What product do you suggest for protecting our guest room sink which is rarely used? Thanks. Sam."

Answer: For a single location, install the FloodStop for Sinks Lead Free Water Valve FS3/8CD. The "CD" stands for compression fitting, i.e. no soldering is required. The Floodcheck water valves connect to the angle stops and supply lines. FloodStop water valves are full port ball valves that meet the California and Vermont lead free water valve standards for drinking water. Add additional sensors for more coverage under the sink. Do remember that you will need an unswitched electrical outlet for power: electricity is used only when the sensor detects water.

When a hot or cold water leak is detected, Floodstop shuts off the water below the sink and sounds an 87 db alarm.

Installation:

Connect the water valve to cold and hot water lines under the sink. Mount the control unit. Place sensor(s) on floor. Plug power supply into an unswitched outlet. Note: electricity is used only when the sensor detects water.

NOTE: DO NOT PLACE SENSOR DIRECTLY ON METAL PAN OR DAMP FLOOR. If no water is present and alarm sounds, place paper towel or cloth under sensor to "insulate" against floor dampness or metal of pan. When the paper or cloth gets wet, the sensor activates the shut-off and sounds the alarm.

How FloodStop (FS 3/8-CD) Works:

FloodStop valves connect to the angle stops and supply lines. Water leak sensor is placed at the base of the fixture (sink, laundry tubs, bathtub, etc.). Valve remains open until a water leak or water loss is detected. Water on the sensor signals the Floodstop controller which closes the valve and alarms. Valve remains closed until system is reset, and sensor is dry.

For added water detection protection, add more sensors. Sensors plug into sensors, NOT the Control Box. The 3/8 inch valve is 3.75 inches long. Controller has reset and test buttons to test valve performance plus battery back up. Easy to install, operate, and maintain. Designed for residential, condo and apartment dwellings. Full port ball valves automatically shut off water supply to sink when water sensor/sensors get wet. Power: 120VAC and/or battery backup (4 C batteries). No wires to route throughout the home. Alarm: beeping with mute button. Water Sensor: 1.5" X 7.5", double sided. Additional sensors may be added in series. AC Adapter Cord Length: 6 Ft. Wire Length from the Controller to the Valve: About 30 Inches Long. FloodStop Controller: 3 buttons: Mute, Close Valve and Open Valve. Water sensitivity adjustment. Clockwise: less sensitive. Counter clockwise: More sensitive. 4-pin connection to valve/sensor connector. Outputs: Normally closed. Contacts for any device that can utilize them, like auto phone dialers, alarm systems, X10 home automations devices. One year limited manufacturer warranty.

I hope this helps with your situation.

If you want whole house protection, a install the Floodstop Whole House Auto Water Valve System. This unit comes in 3/4”, 1” and 1.25” valve sizes. Included with each system are one Motorized Full-Port Ball Valve,one Controller (that shuts off the main water valve),four Sensor Modules, four sensors to place in areas you want protected, one transformer for the controller and four low voltage transformers for the sensor modules. This unit screws onto the water pipe, i.e. it is an NPT or National Pipe Thread Tapered Thread.

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Question about advantages of Sensaphone Remote Monitoring Systems over security systems by national or local alarm and security companies.

Q: "We are building a new data center. Our choices are between a national or local alarm and security company with monthly monitoring fees or a Sensaphone system. We want to monitor power, temperature and humidity. We are also concerned about possible water leaks onto the flooring and being able to lower the thermostat in the room if one of the units begins to overheat. Which system do you recommend? Thanks. Bill."

No Monthly Monitoring Fees: you buy the product and programs it to notify directly any employee or employees you choose without the cost of a central service that runs at least several hundred dollars annually.

Innovation: In-house engineering. Three US patents for unique technologies. Constantly working to make products more powerful and easier to use.

Easy to Use: Simple, clear set up and maintenance. You don't have to be an electronics genius! Some products like the IMS series even automatically detect the sensor you've connected and configure it for you. The owners manuals are extensive and clear to follow. Telephone technical support is there, unlimited and toll free.

Made in the USA: Yes! Sensaphone is made in Pennsylvania. All engineering design, manufacturing, servicing, testing and support are here in the USA.

For your data center, Safe Home recommends you choose the IMS-1002 model and then choose from the 9 sensors listed:

The IMS-1002 Model. The Sensaphone IMS-1000 Internet Remote Monitor, IMS-1002 is a web-based single room monitoring device with a voice modem. It will monitor up to 8 external sensors that are connected via Cat-5 cable. If your computer network failed, you will get a phone call or calls via a standard land line. It is fullySimple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) manageable.

If a sensor is disconnected, you will get an alert. Each sensor is continuously monitored by the IMS parent unit. Cat-5 jacks and cables make it easier to connect to remote sensors using existing structured cabling.

The data logging includes a time stamped collection of input values that can be viewed and graphed. Plus you will get a detailed event history of user logins, telephone calles, etc. It is possible to add video integration to have an image sent of the condition that tripped the alarm. This is web-based monitoring with a traditional phone line, too.

You can place the IMS-1000 or IMS-4000 into your server rack. There are no moving parts in the IMS-1000 series units: each is complately standalone with its own internal battery back up.

Please contact us if you have additional questions. Thank you for your questions.

Question: "I need several very loud water alarms. I live in an older house whose plumbing is being updated slowly. We had a leak under the kitchen sink that was so bad we had to remove the bottom of the cabinet and rebuild it. The flooring warped as well. Is this the right alarm for us? Thanks. Tom."

Answer: Yes, I would choose this alarm if you want a portable extremely loud water alarm. The Water Screamer has a tip resistant commercial grade design and is made from ABS plastic. The 4.5 inch diameter by 2.5 inch tall size means it takes up little room. Just put in on the floor or bottom of a cupboard. There are 4 stainless steel sensor pins that reach into carpeting. The 9 volt battery is not included: the battery can last for years because there is no power drawn from it unless there is a leak. There is a one year warranty on the water alarm itself.

Thank you for your question. Please contact us if you want information about individual water shut off devices with alarms such as the Flood Stop or a whole house unit such as the Water Cop. We can assist you with finding the best choices for your home.

Q: What is a NEMA4X enclosure? Do I need it on a Sensaphone remote monitor for my business? I see it listed on these Sensaphone units that I saw on your website.Thanks. Steve."

Answer: According to Nema.org, "Type 4X Enclosures constructed for either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection to personnel against access to hazardous parts; to provide a degree of protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against ingress of solid foreign objects (windblown dust); to provide a degree of protection with respect to harmful effects on the equipment due to the ingress of water (rain, sleet, snow, splashing water, and hose directed water); that provides an additional level of protection against corrosion; and that will be undamaged by the external formation of ice on the enclosure."

Sensaphone offers these enclosures on most of their remote monitors because many remote monitors are located in dusty or potentially corrosive industrial settings. Sensaphone monitors can be mounted inside buildings or outside. Those mounted in greenhouses are exposed to high humidity levels and water sprays as plants are watered. So purchase one with a NEMA4X enclosure if your situation requires it.

Choose a Sensaphone remote monitor according to the number of inputs you need and the complexity of your situation. For example the Sensaphone 2000 is a data logging monitor with 8 inputs and can contact up to 32 persons while the Sensaphone 1400 can monitor only 4 sensors for humidity, temperature, etc.

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Question about the Sensaphone Remote Monitoring Systems.

Q: "I need a remote monitor but am confused by what differentiates one model from another. Can you give me a simple explanation? I don't know if I want a 1400, 800, etc. for my green house needs. Thanks. Steve."

Answer: The numbers actually refer to the number of inputs available to you. If you have a small greenhouse set-up, one of the smaller, less expensive basic units would be a good choice. Also consider if you have a cell phone or land line in the building.

Here is some information about the basic units:

Sensaphone Web600 Web-Monitor Alarm6 available zone inputs. A battery back-up unit (not included) plugs into the left side of the unit. Also there is an ethernet connection and a input for the 5V DC power adapter. There are two lights, a power and an alarm light on the top of the unit. A screwdriver is even included.

Solid Door Sensaphone 1800 Remote Monitor Monitor up to 8 conditions, plus power failure and sound level. Notify up to 8 people with custom voice phone calls or text messages. Review alarm history and who acknowledged the alarm event. Control a device automatically, manually, even remotely. Sends a text message and alpha page alarms.

Sensaphone 2800 Wireless Monitoring System lets you use up to four Sensaphone wireless sensors with the 2800. A variety of wireless sensors types are available to choose from, including:Temperature,Humidity,Power Failure,Motion Detector,Water on Floor.Wireless sensors. Two Wireless Interface modules. These allow you to connect to existing equipment or sensors and transmit their status back to the 2800 wirelessly. There is a Dry Contact wireless module and a 4-20mA wireless module. The 4-20mA wireless module even provides battery backed 24 VDC loop power for your transducer. Built-in Power failure, Sound level. Inputs 4 hard wired universal, 4 wirelesses inputs, Outputs 1 relay (manual or automatic control)Notification 8 custom voice phone calls.

There are numerous sensors available for the inputs. There are some larger units available that can take extra slot cards allowing a larger number of sensor inputs.

Please give us more information about your situation and we'll help you choose.

Q: "I live in California. I want to install a WaterCop to protect my condominum from future water damage. Our condo association was not happy, nor was I, when repairs from a leaking dishwasher caused over $20,000 in repair costs from a leaking water dispensing refrigerator leak. I am encouraging the entire condo association to install WaterCops and moisture sensors to add protection and keep our insurance premiums down. Does this unit meet the specifications for California lead? Thanks. Tom.

Answer: Dynaquip controls has added what are called "lead free" or "low lead" brass full port water valves as an option to their Water Cop line. These valves comply with the California AB1953 Standard as well as the Vermont S.152 Ultra Low Lead Law. The cost of these units is more because making brass with little or no lead adds considerable expense to manufacturing.

To protect your condominium community, please advise your condo board that WaterCop units and sensors should be ordered pre-set from the factory. We've handled orders like this in the past. What we need to know is the number of units and the number of sensors and adapters (most prefer AC rather than battery powered sensors). By numbering the units say 1 through 50, your condo community can be assured that if there is a leak in say Unit 101, that the unit next door will continue to have water because the actuator and sensor settings will be different!

If your community plans to expand, the best approach is to have the WaterCop ready lead free valves installed during the initial construction. Then the actuators and water sensors can be added later just prior to occupancy. Why pay twice for a water valve!.

Currently, these units are available in 1/2 inch valve, 3/4 inch valve , 1 inch valve and 1 1/4 inch valve sizes. The 1 1/4 inch actuators and valves are more expensive: the power requires to quickly open and close the valve is higher for the larger valves. Remember you can reduce the size of a water line to fit a smaller valve. The most popular sizes are the 3/4 inch and the 1 inch.

Thanks for your question. Please contact us for a quotation when your condo association is ready to install the WaterCops. One condo association reported to us that they were close to being uninsurable until they installed the WaterCops. Then the yearly premiums dropped 15%.